2 Heading Toward The Hero Academy

Under the shade of a tree, Ted finally awoke after napping for some time. His body was refreshed and full of energy again.

While stretching himself, he went to find Zane. The old man should be cooking something right now.

His mouth is watering just thinking about foods.

After all, he spent a lot of energy earlier and needed to recharge his body. Besides, Zane's cooking skill is so good that it could attract animals around the area.

This is weird...He is not in the wooden cabin...

Instinctively, his heart started racing, and his steps quickened as memories of the past incident flashed on his mind.

In the end, Ted spent the day looking for Zane without any result. He had searched everywhere, whether the lake, their favorite spot, the plain, etc ...

There was no way a bear or something would kill him as the old man is tougher than he looks.

The day of his greatest fear ultimately came true...

At the cabin, kneeling on the ground in low spirit, Ted tried holding back his tears as his lips quivered.

What did he do wrong for everyone to abandon him?

In the end, everyone is the same...

Then, it's better to be alone. Nobody can hurt him...

Having his mind made up, he slowly raised himself from the ground. His tears were not there anymore, and Ted was surprisingly calm. Something has changed, but he did not care. At least, the pain was gone.

Now paying attention to his surrounding, Ted noticed a bag on the table. Inside it was 10 gold coins with a weird design and two letters.

Opening one of the letters, Ted could read, 'I went somewhere far away because of an urgent matter. If you become the strongest hero, we will meet again. I hope to see you one day.

You can start by going to Nodorth. It's an Academy specialized in training future heroes. With your current strength, I am sure you can pass the Academy entrance test without much difficulty. You can get there by following the river's direction. I've already prepared a camping tent for your long travel. Also, give the other letter to the director. He will take care of you.

I wish you the best of luck.

Zane,'

Although a warm feeling spread throughout his chest, Ted couldn't trust anyone else again.

'Who said he didn't make up any excuse? But since I have nothing to do, I might as well go to that Academy...'

That evening, his food tasted bland and unappetizing.

The darkened sky announced a long and sleepless night. The wooden house did not make him feel protected anymore as its warmth had disappeared entirely.

With the sun high in the sky, Ted finally awoke lazily. He slept in because he fell asleep late last night.

Today was the day he would be leaving for Nodorth.

From his blurred memory, Ted was eager to observe how a city looked like. There were so many unknown things, and he wanted to discover all of them.

As a foodie, he was itching to try new dishes.

On the way, Ted had no problem following the river. It was so easy that even a kid could do it.

"Grrr!"

Upon hearing this, Ted stopped on his track and hid behind a bush. He suppressed his presence as much as he could from the monster.

In front of him was a Ry who was twice his size, releasing a deadly aura. Unconsciously, his body started trembling.

How could his luck be so bad?

Meeting such a dangerous monster in the forest was extremely rare. Grandpa told him that he should run as far as possible against a magical monster.

It wasn't an opponent he could face off with his current strength.

"Just kill it. What are you afraid of?" A man said while pushing someone.

Because he was so focused on the monster, Ted did not notice other people.

Facing the wolf was a shivering bald, middle-aged man, while the other two were watching leisurely.

Behind them, there was a girl seemingly his age. Her hands were tied with a rope.

Her dirty long gown with sleeveless tunics couldn't conceal her beauty. Even though it was his first time seeing a girl in six years, she should be high above the average.

Ted had never seen such beautiful pale fair skin in his life. Her frail slender arms made him want to protect her.

Her blonde hair was cut into a bob with bangs, exempt two sections of hair on each side of her head, and her golden puppy eyes enhanced, even more, her already innocent vibe.

'Should I save her?'

But why should he risk his life for a stranger?

'What would grandpa do at my place?'

'No, I shouldn't care about that old man.'

In the next moment, Ted froze on the spot upon hearing, "Mom...Dad.. why did you sell Eva to these mean people? Did Eva do something wrong...?"

Did her parents also abandon her?

Before he could think, his body moved on its own toward the girl.

'Shit!'